Firangi Superstar @ Craig Road - New Modern-Indian Champagne Brunch

Firangi Superstar at Craig Road has launched the Champagne Superstar experience, a new modern-Indian weekend champagne brunch. In the two and half hour long brunch, diners get to enjoy free-flow champagne together with a delicious selection of modern Indian dishes.

Diners can indulge in limitless Moet & Chandon Brut or Rose, or if it tickles your fancy, step up to Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame.

The Champagne Superstar has three pricing categories:
- Marvelous: $88++ (Food only)
- Magnificent: $158++ (Food and free flow of selected beverages including Moet & Chandon Brut or Rose)
- Massmajestica: $328 (Food and free flow of selected beverages including Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame)

To kick start the brunch, you need to choose to find either a Vegetarian or Non-Vegetarian Box. We decided to go for the Non-Vegetarian treasure box. Present in a wooden box, opening it unveils a collection of bite-sized morsels with a gentle Indian touch that is designed to excite.

Look forward to a selection of delicious morsels such as caviar puri, truffle puri, Mangalore banana buns, Seekh sausage roll, Semolina cake, Mushroom tart, Masala donut and Pepper fry croissant.

Served alongside the wooden box of bite size morsels are Avocado Kulcha and Kale Kachumber. 

If you think that is all, you are wrong! The treasure box of bite-size morsels is just only the starters. Next is the Mains, whereby you are given four options - Akuri, Prata Waffle, Fish & Chips and Baked Eggs.

The Akuri is a hearty breakfast platter of masala scrambled eggs, tomatoes and pav. The Prata Waffle is a modern take on the chicken waffle with Madras Fried Chicken and prata. Lastly, the Fish & Chips comes with Amritsari snapper with gunpowder fries.

Complete your brunch with a sweet ending with an array of desserts. Among the spread are several cake selections such as Carrot Cake, Red Velvet Peanut Cake, Oreo Cheese Cake, Honey Rum Chocolate Cake and Swiss Roll.

For something lighter, you can go for the Cinnamon Ginger Cookie or Masala Chai Eclair.

Overall, I enjoyed the Champagne Superstar experience a lot. It brings a new and unique modern Indian champagne brunch experience which sets it apart from the rest.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Firangi Superstar
20 Craig Road
#01-03
Singapore 089692
Tel: +65 63043022
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Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar (EW Line), Maxwell (TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon-Fri: 12pm - 230pm, 530pm - 1030pm
Sat: 530pm - 103pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station. Walk to Tanjong Pagar Road. Cross the road. Walk to Craig Road. Turn left and walk down Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

2) Alight at Maxwell MRT station. Take Exit 3. Turn righ and walk to Neil Road. Cross Neil Road. Walk to Duxton Road. Turn right onto Duxton Hill. Walk to Craig Place. Cut through Craig Place to Craig Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 5 minutes. [Map]

Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Celebrates 120th Anniversary With Mao Shan Wang & D24 Durian Delights

Goodwood Park Hotel celebrates its 120th anniversary with a lavish durian dessert buffet spread, featuring Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights. Available from 17 October to 15 November at Coffee Lounge, indulge in an exclusive line-up of durian delights such as Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake, Crepe, Swiss Roll and Mini Eclair, including hot D24 favourites such as D24 Puff and D24 Ice Cream!

Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake

Such a thick layer of pulpy Mao Shan Wang Mousse layered in between airy sponge cake, the Mao Shan Wang Mousse Cake is definitely my favourite of the lot.

Mao Shan Wang Crepe

The Mao Shan Wang Crepe is also highly sorted after with its super thin egg crepe encasing the rich, creamy durian mousse, with no other fillers such as cream or sponge cake whatsoever in between.

D24 Puffs

For D24 Delights, there's a reason why these chubby D24 Puffs are such a huge drawn year after year. Each airy choux pastry is filled with a luxuriant swirl of creamy D24, and it was such a pleasure finishing this pillowy durian goodness. 

D24 Mini Peanut Tart, Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, Mini Eclair

There's also petite size durian pastry such as the Mao Shan Wang Swiss Roll, a daintier version of the mousse cake, as well as D24 Mini Peanut Tart and Mao Shan Wan Eclair.

A limited item among the spread is the D24 Ice Cream (one serving per guest). I would prefer it to be lightly more bitter-sweet.

The dessert buffet also includes other pastries and warm desserts such as Cheesecakes, Mango Pudding with Crème Chantilly and Fresh Mango, Cherry Crumble and a Bread and Butter Pudding with Vanilla Sauce. The extravagant Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights spread is priced at $58.80++ per person, available during lunch from 12pm to 230pm and dinner from 6pm to 1030pm.

Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style

Goodwood Park Hotel is also known for its Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet. You can also opt for the Taiwan Porridge A La Carte Buffet inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights at $72++ per adult, $43.20++ per child. Out of the entire spread, we tried a few dishes which were all well executed. The Deep-fried Pomfret in Feng Sha Style was impressive. The meaty part of the fish was skilfully sliced out, leaving minimum to the bones and fried to perfection. As promised, each piece was crispy on the outside, juicy and moist on the inside. The sugary crispy rice puff and raisins topping elevated the crunch factor as well.

Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk

The Steamed Minced Pork with Salted Egg Yolk has a very homely flavour, yet incredibly satisfying. Loosely packed and juicy, the seasoning was just right on bringing out the flavours of the meat.

Fried Omelette with Silver Fish

This UFO looking Fred Omelette with Silver Fish was simple but substantial with silverfish packed within its fluffy interior.

Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi

The Braised Chinese Mustard with Sakura Ebi was not just aesthetically pleasing, but soothing to the palate as well.

There are also other ways to enjoy the dessert buffet. It can also be paired with Coffee Lounge’s signature offerings:

- Top-up of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights with any A La Carte Main Course order $48.80++ per person.
- 3-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $62++ per person.
- 4-course Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu, inclusive of Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang and D24 Durian Delights $66++ per person.

The Deli also features five delectable Mao Shan Wang and D24 durian creations from 17 October to 30 November for a decadent treat any time of the day.

Photos and words by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting. 


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]

Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar @ Keong Saik Road - Hearty Comfort French Fare With Delectable Wines

Within the bustling stretch of Keong Saik is a new all-day bistro and wine bar - Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar, offering comfort French fare and delectable wines from Burgundy. The bistro is helmed by owner and general manager Geoffrey Daurelle from Burgundy, who is inspired to bring the taste and culture of Burgundy to Singapore. He has rooted in Head Chef Julius Soo Thoo, who has worked in the kitchen of L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon and Iggy's to bring the classic Burgundy cuisine to the table.

Croquettes Bourguignonnes 4/5

The Croquettes Bourguignonnes ($9 for 3pc / $18 for 6pc) is like our cheese and ham sandwich except it is in a croquette form. It uses Epoisses cheese which is is known as Burgundy's most pungent cheese. I didn't find it that smelly at all.

Oeufs en Meurette 4.2/5

The Oeufs en Meurette ($13/$21) is like our local soft boiled egg breakfast in dark sauce. It comes with a poached egg in red wine sauce paired with onions, bacon and mushrooms. I do recommend saving some bread to mop up the dish just like how we local have our egg and toast for breakfast.

Escargots de Bourgogne 3.5/5

Some diners can be deterred by the sight of the escargot in its shell but the Escargots de Bourgogne ($15 for 6pc / $28 for 12pc) here is de-shelled and served in a pastry shell paired with garlic, butter and parsley. Love the idea as it is really easy to just pick it up and pop it into the mouth.

Boeuf Bourguignon 4.2/5

Passed down to Geoffrey Daurelle is his mum's recipe for the Boeuf Bourguignon ($32). The beef stew in red wine sauce is cooked to tender with carrots and mushrooms. Noteworthy is the creamy and smooth mash potato, which consists of 50% potato and 50% butter, similar to what the now defunct L'Atelier de Joel Robuchon Singapore used to serve to their diner.

Truite a l'Aligote 4.2/5

The Truite a l'Aligote ($28) is a match in heaven with the white wine sauce made of Aligote (white grape from Burgundy) complementing the steamed trout fillet. The trout fillet is rested on pommes fondant and pair with asparagus. A clean, light and delicate dish.

Flan Patissier 4/5

The Flan Patissier ($12) comes in a light pastry crust filled with smooth and eggy vanilla crustard. It is served together with a scoop of vanilla artisan gelato.

Eclair au cassis 4.2/5

For something richer in taste, there is the Eclair au cassis ($14). The classic French choux dough shell are filled with purple cassis custard cream, instead of the usual chocolate or vanilla cream. The cassis berry which is an iconic fruit of Burgundy gives the eclair a sourish finish that is very appetising.

Contrary to popular belief that wines from Burgundy are expensive, the wine bar offers value for money gems, especially those from lesser-known sub regions in Burgundy such as Côtes Chalonnaise and Mâconnaise, as well as appellations like Macon. There is an extensive selection of quality, great value vinos of close to 350 labels from Burgundy and beyond held within the wine bar’s dedicated walk in cellar. Committed to ensuring that the wine programme is highly accessible, varied and exciting, the wines are sourced directly from the vintners themselves. With an extensive wine-by-the glass programme of close to fifteen wines (including premium Champagnes) as well as a rotating ‘Wine Flight of the Week’, there is something for everyone from novices to seasoned wine drinkers to tantalise the palate.

Note: This is an invited tasting.


Gaston Burgundy Bistro & Wine Bar
25 Keong Saik Road
#01-01
Singapore 089132
Tel: +65 69098120
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Website
Nearest MRT: Outram Park (EW, NE, TE Line)

Opening Hours:
Mon: 5pm - 12midnight
Tue-Fri: 12pm - 12midnight
Sat: 5pm - 12midnight
(Closed on Sun)

Direction:
1) Alight at Outram Park MRT station. Take Exit 4. Walk straight down New Bridge Road. Turn right onto Kreta Ayer Road. Turn right again onto Keong Saik Road. Walk down Keong Saik Road. Walk to destination. Journey time about 10 minutes. [Map]

L’eclair by Sarah Michelle @ Singapore Shopping Centre - Introduces High Tea Degustation Set

An affinity with eclairs spurred Sarah and Michelle to open L’eclair, with a vision to bring eclairs to and beyond its realm of plain pastry cream. Located at Singapore Shopping Centre, L’eclair by Sarah Michelle then became Singapore’s first eclair specialty store and cafe. One year into its opening, High Tea Degustation Set is now available, showcasing not just their signature e'clairs but also tantalising savouries that are all crafted with their own hands.

This degustation set will be strictly for reservations only with limited slots per day. What distinguishes it from other high tea set is that the sweets comes in the form of mini eclairs in various flavours, hence you get to try 5 different flavours in one go! For the savoury, you get an assortment of homemade canapes. Each high tea set comes with two complimentary drinks.

Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Tomato & Basil Bruschetta. Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini 3.8/5

We started off with the cold canapes sitting on the top tier - Truffle Egg Mayo Choux Puff, Foie Gras Pate & Tomato Relish Crostini and Tomato & Basil Bruschetta. My personal favourite would be the crostini. The piquant homemade tomato relish has deep, sweet notes edged with a bit of tang which balances the creamy pate that carries a slight gaminess. The textural contrast of the creamy topping and the crunchy crostini is excellent.The choux puff delivers a satisfying creamy mouthfill with its egg mayo and spongy choux puff, while the bruschetta brightens up my palate with simple, fresh ingredients.

Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet 3.8/5, Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent 3.8/5

Moving on to the warm canapes, the Smoked Salmon & Dill Mousse Tartlet is light on the taste buds but is packed with the wonderful flavour of smoked salmon. The Roasted Mushrooms Vol au Vent fares just as well. It is thin with flaky crust that is just right for the strong earthy mushrooms.

Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie 3.5/5

Trained at Le Cordon Bleu Paris, the pies here are notable too. Along with the warm canapes, you got to try their signature Signature Chicken & Bacon Pie. Baked to a gorgeous brown, the crust was flaky, leaving a warm, buttery aroma on my fingertips. The filling is not too heavily peppered and is on the sweeter side but there are bacon within to lend a savoury note. If this mini version has proven its worth, you could get it at its original size.

Done with their savouries, the pretty eclairs beckons. You will be treated with 2 seasonal editions - Lime Basil & Coconut and Lemon Meringue, and 3 classic flavours - Salted Caramel, Ispahan and Dark Chocolate.

Lime Basil & Coconut 2.5/5, Lemon Meringue 3/5

While I have tasted really good desserts that have a herbaceous profile such as Shiso leaf sherbet, the addition of basil to the Lime Basil and Coconut doesn't quite work here for me. The Lemon Meringue fares much better in importing the flavours of a classic Lemon Tart.

Salted Caramel 3/5, Isphan 3.8/5, Dark Chocolate 3/5

Out of the 3 classics, my favourite would be the Ispha, perfumed with rose and sweetened with lychees with tartness lent from raspberry. The filling seems less dense compared to the rest. Salted Caramel and Dark Chocolate cater to you if you are craving for warm and rich flavours. Overall, the sweetness level of their eclairs is acceptable but a lighter and fluffier filling is much preferred. The pastry is airy and would have been more so should the pastry carries that delicate crisp which I was anticipating as I suck my teeth into it.

Mushroom Soup 3.5/5

Somehow, I favour the savoury items here a lot more. Even their Mushroom Soup ($8.50), one of their latest savoury items, hits the notes.  Rich with mushrooms bits that are bond together with cream, the partnering toast comes in the form of bite-size crunches that allows you to just tuck into the wholesome goodness with a spoon.

Tuck away from the hustling streets of Orchard Road, High Tea at L’éclair by Sarah Michelle is a welcoming respite. High tea degustation set is available from Tuesdays to Sundays, 11am to 5pm (with 3 fixed seatings a day).

Words and photos by Si An. A girl who is allured by travelling, loves the feel of freedom, smell of the rain and the aroma of fine coffee and food. Note: This is an invited tasting.


L’eclair by Sarah Michelle
Singapore Shopping Centre
190 Clemenceau Avenue
#01-28
Singapore 239924
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Website
Nearest MRT: Dhoby Ghaut (EW Line, NE Line, NS Line)

Opening Hours:
Tue-Fri: 11am - 8pm
Sat: 11am - 9pm
Sun: 11am - 6pm

Direction: 
1) Alight at Dhoby Ghaut MRT station. Take Exit B. Cross the road. Turn right and walk towards Clemenceau Avenue. Turn left onto Clemenceau Avenue. Walk to destination. Journey time about 6 minutes. [Map]

Coffee Lounge @ Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore - Design Your Own Local Degustation Set Menu With Mao Shan Wang Dessert Buffet

For a limited period from 14 October 2017 to 17 November 2017, The Coffee Lounge at Goodwood Park Hotel Singapore presents the Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang Specialities promotion together with its Local Degustation Set Menu which will be available during lunch and dinner. The dessert buffet features Mao Shan Wang durian pastries on top of its usual delectable dessert buffet spread.

Tahu Telor 4.2/5

The Design Your Own Local Degustation Set Menu comes in 3 courses ($50) and 4 courses ($54) which includes the Dessert Buffet with Mao Shan Wang Specialities.

Pork Satay with Pineapple Peanut Sauce 4.2/5

For the starters of the local degustation menu, we tried both the Tahu Telur and Pork Satay with Pineapple Peanut Sauce. If you a big eater, I would recommend the tahu telur over the pork satay. For photo seek, I actually borrowed another 2 more skewers from my friend's plate. Putting that aside, both dishes actually tasted good. I enjoyed the light and fluffy beancurd tower complemented by the spice kicap manis sauce. I was also delighted that the kitchen made the effort to pair the succulent pork satay with pineapple in their peanut sauce.

Nasi Briyani 3.5/5

Nasi Lemak 4/5

For the Rice item, we tried the Nasi Briyani and Nasi Lemak. I think it is a good showcase of the local cuisine. The nasi briyani comes with with chicken rendang, achar and pappadum. I would prefer the nasi lemak more for its fragrant coconut rice and the shiok homemade sambal.

Hokkien Black Noodles 3/5

Xing Zhou Bee Hoon 4.2/5

Last but not least for the Noodle items, we had the Hokkien Black Noodles and Xing Zhou Bee Hoon. The flavourful hokkien black noodles comes with squid, prawns, sliced pork and crispy pork lard. However, the gravy was on the salty side during our visit. What surprises me is the unassuming xing zhou bee hoon which is pack with wok flavour. Simple but comforting.

Mao Shan Wang Eclair 4.5/5

After having the local signature dishes, don't forget to head over to the dessert spread that includes a delectable dessert buffet of cakes, pastries, hot and cold dessert soups, nonya kueh, fruits, ice cream and most important, Mao Shan Wang durian pastries.

Mao Shan Wang Mochi 4/5

Durian lovers can look forward to a tempting range of durian creations such as the Mao Shan Wang Mochi, Mao Shan Wang Waffles and Ice Cream, Mao Shan Wang Sticky Rice, Mao Shan Wang Crumble Tart, Mao Shan Wang Creme Brulee, Mao Shan Wang Eclair, Mao Shan Wang Toast and Mao Shan Wang Pandan Cake.

Mao Shan Wang Crumble Tart 4.2/5

Among the selections of durian pastries, my favourites were Mao Shan Wang Pandan Cake, Mao Shan Wang Eclair and Mao Shan Wang Crumble Tart.

Noted: This is an invited tasting


Coffee Lounge
Goodwood Park Hotel
22 Scotts Road
Singapore 228221
Tel: +65 67301746
Facebook
Website
Nearest MRT: Orchard (NS Line)

Design Your Own Local Degustation Menu
Daily: 12pm - 230pm, 6pm - 1030pm

Direction:
1) Alight at Orchard MRT station. Take Exit A. Walk down Scotts Road to destination. Journey time about 12 minutes. [Map]